S&W 340 History?

Eliakim · Jul 1, 2010

I just picked up a used S&W 340 SC with a titanium cylinder for carry purposes and I'm wondering when S&W started making these nifty little titanium/scandium J-frame hand-numbing firecrackers. I figure they probaby first started with the 342 model in .38 special and then added or changed over to the 340 SC and 340PD models at a later date.

Did they start making the 340 around the year 2000, or was it more recently?

I shot it a few times at the range today the Winchester 145gr 357 mag Silvertips are a blast!

I didn't notice any bullet pull on the fifth round in the cylinder with the Winchester, but the S&B 158gr softpoints I tried seem to pull enough so I won't want to carry the .357 S&B's for CCW in the 340 revolver.

Anyway, here is a picture I snapped before shooting it:

I'd like to know if there is a product that can be safely used to remove carbon marks from the front and sides of the cylinder. The revolver was clean before I shot it today but now it has carbon marks on the cylinder although I cleaned it after shooting with M-Pro 7 and gun oil.

Does Slip 2000 Carbon Killer work well?

Thanks

Eliakim · Jul 5, 2010

Well, I did some homework on my own and it appears that S&W introduced the 342 and 337 Titanium .38 special models back around 1999 or so, while the 340 titanium cylinder .357 magnum revolvers came out in 2001. Google is my friend

The 340Sc ran Winchester 145gr Silvertip .357's through my chrono at 1120 fps (just over 400 ft/lbs). The brutal recoil from these revolvers that some talk about on the forums is a bit of an exaggeration. I still have both my hands and there were no nose bleeds or headaches to report.

The .357 magnum kick is heavy and uncomfortable, but subjectively for me not too painful. The .38 special target loads I tried are mild and pleasant.

P&R Fan · Jul 5, 2010

Yes, it was introduced in 2001 according to the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson. If you're seriously interested in S&W products you should get a copy, it's a wealth of information.
I just bought a 340PD this year. I've wanted one ever since they came out. I find it is tolerable to shoot with 158 Grn. Blasers, but it HURTS with Federal 125 Grn JHP loads. My only consolation is I'll bet it hurts a lot worse on the other end!

SAFireman · Jul 5, 2010

EliaKim

I have that very same 340sc....I believe that they started the lightweight frames back in the 50's with some aluminum alloy, and even some aluminum cylinders....those were quickly taken out of production.....there was an evolution of lightweight/airweight J frames over the years (I can't tell you which ones came when)....I think that the predecessor to the 340 Scandium model was the 342 Titanium model...the 340sc (your model and mine, with the silver finish) was killed off a few years ago due to finish issues, now we have the 340MP or 340PD....one has a stainless cylinder, and the other titanium.

I love my 340 and carry it everywhere. Don't worry too much about the nicks and scrapes on the finish, after all it is a carry gun, and there is no way to re-finish it. Use it, enjoy it (the carry part), and practice with sensible amounts of 357 (maybe 10-15 per session) and the rest in 38 special...the 340/360 series is gaining popularity in the CCW/CHL/LTCF world every day....best luck with you new hand cannon.

pinkymingeo · Jul 5, 2010

The lead removal cloths made by Tipton and others will get the flash marks off the side of the cylinder. To be on the safe side, and keep your warranty in force, leave the face of the cylinder alone.

S&W 340 History?

Eliakim

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Eliakim

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P&R Fan

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SAFireman

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pinkymingeo

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